IPG Photonics Announces Unique EDFA that Simplifies Two-Way RF Broadband Deployment over Fiber Networks


Two-Way EDFA with Integrated WDM Reduces Space and Cost in Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG) Networks

OXFORD, MA, March 19, 2009, IPG Photonics Corporation, a pioneer in deploying cost effective fiber amplifiers, announced today a new two-way erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) for Radio Frequency over Glass (RFoG) networks that allow CATV and telephone network operators to lower costs and increase bandwidth. Building on IPG's proven multi-port EDFAs, the new two-way EDFAs support upstream Radio Frequency (RF) transport through the addition of a fourth wavelength to the current three-wavelength multi-port, integrated WDM EDFA design within the same physical package.

With the use of IPG's new two-way EDFAs, operators of two-way RF optical networks can reduce costs from the elimination of RF receiving, combining and upstream transmission equipment, and decrease space requirements because the EDFA's small form factor (1 and 2 RU) enables deployment of RFoG in smaller outside plant enclosures. Users also benefit from a significant increase of CMTS port utilization by enabling the cascading of multiple two-way EDFAs. The EDFA's flattened L-band gain supports future DWDM additions to today's network deployments. Customers can select the upstream wavelength, including 1590 or 1610nm.

"IPG again has leveraged its deep optical know-how to produce a one-of-a-kind product that extends the L-band up to 1620nm and can amplify two wavelengths simultaneously" said George BuAbbud, Vice President, Telecommunications. "The new two-way EDFAs permit operators to maximize the performance and features of their RFoG networks, while reducing costs."

Passive optical networks and other fiber to the home (FTTH) solutions essentially eliminate the physical bandwidth bottleneck connecting voice, data and video subscribers to the core network. Two current market dynamics make IPG's newest innovation a compelling solution: the proliferation of FTTH networks and the continued deployment of widely deployed RF networks by both CATV and telephone network operators. In fact, the Society of Cable Television Engineers (SCTE) is developing a set of standards, collectively called Radio Frequency over Glass, that specify the requirements to support two-way RF delivery over FTTH networks.

The RFoG standards are beneficial to both telcos and cable operators. RFoG enables the telco operator to build competitive networks supporting the widely deployed SCM-based video services and enables the cable operator to build FTTH networks today, yet continue to provide existing services with the existing RF infrastructure, while enabling bandwidth upgrades in the future.

IPG Photonics Corporation will be presenting the new two-way EDFA from Booth #727 at OFC/NFOEC, held at the San Diego, CA Convention Center from March 24-26, 2009.

About IPG Photonics Corporation

IPG Photonics is the world leader in high-power fiber lasers and amplifiers. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers for use in a wide range of applications such as materials processing, advanced, telecommunications and medical ones. Fiber lasers have revolutionized the industry by delivering superior performance, reliability and usability at a lower total cost of ownership compared with conventional lasers, allowing end users to increase productivity and decrease operating costs. IPG has its headquarters in Oxford, Massachusetts, and has additional plants and offices throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.ipgphotonics.com.

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